The EACC exists to
“combat and prevent corruption and economic crime in Kenya through law
enforcement, preventive measures, public education and promotion of
standards and practices of integrity, ethics and anti-corruption.”“Fighting corruption should not be left entirely to the commission,”
Dr Wabukala said after he was sworn in. “Cabinet secretaries, principal
secretaries, executive officers, governors and accounting officers must
take responsibility and should also be held answerable for what happens
in their ministries, departments and counties.”

Chief Justice Maraga said that Dr Wabukala was approaching the new
post with “confidence”, saying: “You are up to the challenge and am sure
you will discharge your duties. Corruption in this country has reached
endemic proportions. This dragon must be dealt with otherwise the
economy will be ruined.”

Dr Wabukala was nominated for the position by Kenya’s President,
Uhuru Kenyatta, in December after the country’s Public Service
Commission interviewed a short-list of six candidates in November.

His
appointment was approved by the country’s Parliament last week. He
succeeds former chair Peter Kinisu, who was forced to stand down after
companies he was involved with became the subject of EACC
investigations.